What to do for paradoxical calm? Paradoxical calm is when pt with suicidal ideation suddenly gets better because they've come up with a plan, and having a plan makes them feel good. Do not d/c and watch closely for suicide attempts.

How do SSRIs work?

Seratonine Synapse Reuptake Inhibitor.

Blocks seratonine's ability to taken up when it does not enter a receptor.

How do you assess for suicidal ideation?

“Are you thinking about killing yourself?”

“Have you thought about hurting yourself?”

“When people are as upset as you seem to be, they sometimes wish they were dead. I’m wondering if you are thinking about harming yourself?”

Presence of a plan & lethality

“Are you thinking about hurting yourself right now? If that changes, will you promise to talk with someone before you make an attempt?”